We use cookies on this website to improve your shopping experience. We use cookies to remember log-in details and provide secure log-in, collect statistics to optimize site functionality, and deliver content tailored to your interests. Click accept to give your consent to accept cookies and go directly to the site or click on more information to see detailed descriptions of the types of cookies we store.
Click here to learn about cookie settings.

Sample documents:Having problems playing this track? Click here to use your default playerHaving problems playing this track? Click here to use your default player

The Gift Bringer

Kevin Mayhew

Val Hawthorne

Last Updated: 23rd Mar 18

Product Code: 1450400

1 Review(s)

In Stock

£14.99

Quick Overview

A Christmas Musical for Key Stages 1-2

This new musical is an original and sensitive telling of the traditional story of Baboushka the gift-bringer – a Russian legend. Her story is one of a never-ending search for the baby who was to be King of heaven and earth. She is said to leave gifts by sleeping children at Christmas time in the hope that one of them is the Christ Child. It’s a story about giving. The Gift Bringer features varied but straightforward songs that enable all the children to join in. There are plenty of small speaking parts that are easy to learn. The free CD includes both backing tracks and vocal versions of the songs, and photocopiable song texts.

The gift bringer by Val Hawthorne is based on the Russian legend of baboushka and focuses strongly on the Christmas message of giving. It is well conceived for use by non-specialist teachers: the script is simple and can be sub-divided into short, easy-to-learn parts – excellent for young children. Some broad suggestions are given for percussion instruments, nothing too prescriptive, which again is very suitable for this age group. So far so good.
The foreword describes the songs as ‘varied but straightforward’. They are indeed straightforward but also tediously predictable. Virtually all are strophic with no variation at all, even in the copious reprises that punctuate the story. Melodies are uninspiring and lacking in charm with very little harmonic interest. Rhythms are limited to slow or medium –paced crotchets and quavers, and surely no child – or teacher - is going to relish learning three or even six repetitive verses for each song. What a shame, as otherwise this is an excellent reworking of an enchanting Christmas story (Posted on 11/04/2011)